The Indian women's cricket team produced a disciplined bowling performance to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total of 121 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the first T20 International of the three-match series. The match is being played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Friday, July 19, 2024.
Vastrakar Leads the Indian Bowling Charge
All-rounder Pooja Vastrakar emerged as the most successful bowler for India, finishing with impressive figures of 2 wickets for 21 runs in her allotted 4 overs. Her crucial breakthroughs helped India maintain control during the middle overs of the Sri Lankan innings. She was well-supported by the spin duo of Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, who applied significant pressure with their economical spells.
Deepti Sharma conceded only 19 runs in her 4 overs, while Radha Yadav gave away 24 runs. The pace attack, featuring Renuka Singh and Arundhati Reddy, also played their part in containing the Sri Lankan batters. The collective effort ensured that the hosts could never break free and accelerate their scoring rate significantly.
Sri Lanka's Innings: A Story of Struggles
Sri Lanka, after being asked to bat first by Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur, found it difficult to build substantial partnerships. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with a patient 31 runs off 34 balls, but her innings lacked the momentum needed for a competitive T20 total. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, a key wicket for India, was dismissed for 22 runs.
The middle order failed to capitalize on the starts, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Hasini Perera contributed 23 runs, but no other batter could cross the 20-run mark. The Indian fielding was sharp, backing up the bowlers effectively throughout the innings. The final score of 121 for 6 in 20 overs is considered below par on this surface, setting up a manageable chase for the Indian batting lineup.
Setting the Stage for the Indian Chase
With a target of 122 runs to win, the Indian team will be confident of taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The batting unit, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur and featuring players like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, will be expected to chase down the total without major hiccups. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers will look to exploit any early pressure in what promises to be an exciting second half of the match.
This series is a crucial part of the preparation for both teams ahead of future international commitments. A strong start for India in this opening match will give them significant psychological momentum for the remaining games in Kandy. The Indian bowlers have undoubtedly set a strong platform, and all eyes will now be on how their batters respond to this challenge.
